Ball in the House hits Amazing Things Saturday

Thursday

If you think a capella music means old guys in bow ties singing "Sweet Adeline" at the barbershop, you've never heard Ball in the House.

If you think a capella music means old guys in bow ties singing "Sweet Adeline" at the barbershop, you've never heard Ball in the House.

Tenor Aaron Loveland described the Dorchester-based group as "five guys who sing soul, pop, rhythm 'n' blues, contemporary music from the '70s and '80s, on up."

For six years they were the voices in a Cool Whip commercial. They've opened for big acts as different as the Beach Boys and Jessica Simpson, the Jonas Brothers and Blondie.

And they don't need a percussion section because Jon J. Ryan is a master of the art of "beat boxing" who can turn himself into a "human drum machine."

Named after an episode from "The Brady Bunch," Ball in the House will perform Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham.

Executive Director Michael Moran described them as "a national touring band that's among the best a capella groups in the country."

"They're very exciting. I've booked a bunch of a cappella groups and they're the best. Ball in the House gives a very lively show," he said.

Loveland, who joined the band in 2001, estimated the band had performed "probably six or seven times" in Framingham but the coming concert would be their first appearance in Amazing Things' new facility in a renovated firehouse.

The band was founded in 1997 by Ryan and tenor Dave Guisti who had attended Boston Archdiocesan Choir School as kids, drifted apart and got back together after college. Loveland, baritone Dan Szymczak and bass Ryan Chappelle joined later. Over the years, the number of musicians in the band has varied but they've recently settled on the current five.

The band averages about 250 performances a year, including tours of Japan, Canada and Singapore, said Loveland. Shortly, they'll be setting off in two Cessnas for their third tour of Alaska.

With six albums, Loveland said the band defies stereotypes.

"All five of us have extensive vocal training and music theory. We do things from ballads to hip hop," he said.

In 2006, BITH was a Top Ten final in MTV's "Next Best Thing" contest and has had numerous appearances on radio and television.

While all five members write songs for the band, Loveland said BITH made a popular remake of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" and has covered top songs by Usher and Mariah Carey.

In an homage to their present home in Dorchester, they named their 2007 album "Granite Avenue."

"We have a pretty broad fan base from 8 to 80 years old. We're pretty family oriented with a lot of fun energy," said Loveland. "We have lots of interaction with the audience. We're looking to a good time in Framingham."

THE ESSENTIALS:

Amazing Things Arts Center is located at 160 Hollis St., Framingham.

Tickets for the Jan. 31 Ball in the House show are $16; $15 for students and seniors; and $13 for members.

Call 508-405-2787 or visit www.amazingthings.com.

To learn more about Ball in the House, visit www.ballinthehouse.com.

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